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Period: 30,000 BCE to
time line
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13,000 BCE
The Bering Land Bridge
The Bering Land Bridge was a great land mass that acted as a bridge and connected Asia and North America. Due to climate changes the Bering Land bridge is beneath the current Bering Strait because of rising sea levels from melting glaciers. Theory believes that the first people of America crossed over the bride coming from Asia. -
3500 BCE
First Wave Civilizations
The first wave civilizations are considered to be the earliest civilizations to come about in history. The first wave consisted of six civilization marked during this period. Each one having its own distinct characteristics in its culture, geography and political structure. In which all of the six civilizations were ruled by a centralized government and had a hierarchy. The six early civilizations were the Olmec, Nile Valley, Norte Chico, Chinese, Indus Valley and the Mesopotamian civilization . -
1800 BCE
Maya
The Maya Civilization was considered to be one of the most dominant native civilization of Mesoamerica. They were located in the Yucatan Peninsula that is modern day Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and parts of Mexico. Notably they invented a ball game, a written calendar, pyramids, and a hieroglyphic writing system. They practice human sacrifice and established a caste system in to their social society. -
1200 BCE
The Olmecs
The Olmec's where one of the first wave civilizations. They were located in the Mesoamerica region. They are known for their unusual and unique carvings of large heads. The civilization also understood the concept of zero far earlier than other civilizations. They also practice in the ritual bloodletting for their gods. -
500
Dark Ages
The Dark Ages was the time period in which the fall of the Western Roman Empire took place. During this era religious struggle was experienced. In which the Orthodox Christians and Catholics clashed. In addition the population decreased and literature and other arts were diminishing greatly. It would also lead to the beginning of the Italian Renaissance. -
1096
The Crusades
The Crusades were sets of multiple religious wars dealing between the Christians and Muslims. Their main objected was to have dominance over holy sites they both considered sacred which one of them was Jerusalem.The wars included both women and men. The wars were often bloody, vicious and brutal. They promoted the statues of European Christians and made them major players in the conquest for land in the Middle East. -
1325
The Aztec
The Aztecs were located in Mesoamerica, in which they lived in Tenochtitlan which is modern day Mexico city. Having a population of 20 million people it was considered as the largest population at the time.They had social structure such as a caste system. Their emperor Montezuma was part of the noble lever, then existed the commoners, and the bottom were the slaves and prisoners. Slaves and prisoners were often sacrificed since they performed human sacrifice on a large scale for their gods. -
1347
The Black Death
The Black Death drastically diminished Europe's population. The disease spread through fleas on black rats that were on board merchant ships. It was an epidemic that killed an estimated of 25 million people and reducing Europe's population by about 50%. The disease caused fevers,unable people to keep food down, covered infected people in black boils that oozed blood and pus.The Black Death also increased the wages for peasants due to the decrease in population and people refusing to interact. -
1492
Columbian Exchange
The Columbian exchange was significant since it was the trade between the New World and the Old word. The Old world benefited more from the trade than the New world. The reason is because the Old world exchanged diseases to the New world that drastically diminish the population of its indigenous people. The exchange included the trade in plants, animals, diseases, and technologies between the New world and Old world -
Roanoke Colony
The Roanoke colony was the first attempt to establish a permanent English settlement in North America. The colonization of Roanoke was under the command of the Queen Elizabeth I and promoted by Sir Walter Raleigh. The settlement was led by John White but encounter attacks by natives and suffered from low food supplies. White then left to England to re-supply. After three years he returned, but the colonist had vanished with no trace. Therefore Roanoke would be known as the Lost Colony. -
Tobacco
The cultivation of tobacco occurred when it was introduced to Virginia by John Rolfe. This plant would shape the future of Virginia and provide an economic incentive for further expansion and settlement in the New World. Tobacco formed the basic for colony's economy, meaning they use this to buy slaves or pay for indentured servants and pay duties. Thus, becoming colonial Virginia's most prosperous crash crop. Over the next 160 years, this cash crop dominated the Chesapeake's agriculture. -
Slavery
Slavery in America was intensively popular in the 13 colonies and began in the 1619 and continue for the next 250 years in America. Slaves were forcibly taken away from their homes and transported to the New world through the Atlantic slave trade where they were utilized for cultivating cash crops such as tobacco, rice and indigo. The first slaves were brought by a Dutch ship that carried 20 African slaves to Jamestown, Virginia. Marjory of them coming from South Africa. -
Mayflower Compact
A set of Pilgrims had sailed to the New World on a ship called the Mayflower. They originally planned to settle in Virginia but had landed in Massachusetts were they were outside the authority of the Virginia charter. There they would be offered by the colonist of Massachusetts to sign the Mayflower compact. In which they agreed to combined themselves together as a civil body politic to preserve the group. The document was the first undertake of self-government to be developed in America. -
John Smith
John Smith was a captain and a famous English explorer He played a significant role in the establishment of Jamestown well know as the very first successful permanent English settlement in North America. He was also the leader of Jamestown between September of 1608 and August 1609. In which he taught settlers to work and farm and helped them survive.He then led an expedition along the rivers of Virginia. Where he would the very first English explorer to ever map the Chesapeake Bay area. -
The Navigation Acts
The Navigation Act of 1651 restricted the trade between the Dutch and the English colonies. It forced for all goods between the two regions to be transported exclusively on English or Colonial American ships. This stimulated self-sufficiency of the Colonies as well as the British by diminishing the need of foreign imported goods. Throughout 1651 and 1663 a total of three acts were imposed. All created to regulate trade to and from the Colonies. Therefore, England could collect duties from them. -
The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials was the prosecution of people who were believed to practice witchcraft or the supernatural. First case occurring in Massachusetts were the Reverend Parris' daughter, and niece started to throw fits and act abnormally as if they were crazy and a local doctor blaming the supernatural for their behavior. Soon other colonist begin to show the same behavior. Many speculated it was witchcraft and decided to kill anyone under suspicion. Dozens of people died due to accusations. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment also recognized as the era in which science and reasoning was brought to the U.S. With the enlightenment science replaced superstition and questioned all preconceived notions including the bible. The enlightenment was about thinking individually, with important figures being Sir Issac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, John Locke, Adam Smith among others. The Enlightenment birth the idea of deism in which is the belief were god created us and does not interact with us. -
The Middle Passage
The Middle Passage was a route in which enslaved Africans were taken from Africa then to the New World and crossing the Atlantic Ocean during the process. African Slaves were densely packed in the ships they came from. Containing from 250 to 600 slaves and ranging from kids, women, and men. In which more than 10 percent of all slaves died on the voyage due to the harsh conditions and the exposure to diseases. At least 2 million Africans died in the Middle Passage. -
The Great Awakening
The Great Awakening was a movement for spiritual growth within the colonies. It started with ministers preaching about salvation and gave the people a sense of personal revelation. It changed the approach to worshiping to a more emotional and invoked to renew individual piety. An individual known as George Whitfield converted many people to Christianity as he influences the movement a lot. Many preachers were encouraged to create their own schools and churches due to the impact of the movement. -
Secularism
Secularism is idea of the separation of government institutions such as the separation from religious beliefs and politics. In the colonies strict religious observance were enforced through colonial governments and local town rules. The idea of the separation of church and state was then expressed by Thomas Jefferson. Then in 1788 when the United States adopted the Constitution it became the first modern republic to be have the church and state separate from legal actions. -
The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War also recognized as the 7 Year was lasting during.The war was fought between the British and the French, including Spain as France ally. The cause of the war was due to the fact France tried to further expand towards the Ohio Valley claimed by Britain at the time. The war came to the end with agreement and signing of the Treaty of Paris. In the treaty it made France give up territory it owned in Northern America. Thus, opening up the Mississippi Valley for exploration. -
The Treaty of Paris 1763
Signed by France, Spain, Great Britain the Treaty of Paris in 1763 officially ended the French Indian war also called the Seven Year's war. The war was fought between the French and the British. With the treaty established it forced France to give up their territories in the mainland of North America. This ceased any foreign military threats to the British colonies in North America. -
The Sugar Act
After the French-Indian war Parliament imposed the Sugar act due to the great amount of debt they accumulated from the war. It was also an attempt of stopping the smuggle of molasses from the French West Indies. The Sugar act was a modified version Molasses act because it reduced the tax rate that was originally imposed by the Molasses act into half. Goods such as sugar, specific wines, coffee, pimento and molasses were taxed -
The Townshend Act
The Townshend Acts were series of measure established by British Parliament that taxed imported goods to the American colonies. Colonist were upset and viewed the act as an abuse of power from British since they had no representation in Parliament.This further tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The nullification of the Townshend act occurred when British soldiers killed 5 American colonist in Boston. Event being significant and known as the Boston Massacre. -
The Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre occurred when protest spurred against the Townshend act imposed by Parliament. British troops were sent to enforce the act. During the protest a mob of patriots started to attack British troops. This led to British troops to fire at the mob. Resulting in the death of 5 colonist The massacre instigated more tension in the colonies, and was a major factor that led to the revolutionary war. Due to this fact the Boston massacre is a significant event in American history. -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea party is a significant event because it was a political protest done by colonist against British Parliament. Colonist were fed up and irritated over taxes imposed on tea and other produced goods without any representation over the taxation. This led colonist to dress as up as Mohawk Indians and sneak into ships and dumping 342 chests that contained tea in them, into the waters of the Boston Harbor. All as an act of defiance against British rule. -
The Declaration of Independence
With the Declaration of Independence the colonist stated their motives for seeking Independence from the British. When adopted the original 13 colonies ceased further political attachments from Great Britain.It was written by Thomas Jefferson and then signed by the founding fathers of the United States in Philadelphia during the Second Continental Congress meeting. The Declaration was also influenced by the philosopher John Locke and pamphlet written by Thomas Paine called Common Sense. -
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was the first adoption of the constitution for the United states. The ratification of the Articles of Confederation would later on be a problem because it was weak and did not have enough centralize power to control over the nation. Exploited by Shay's Rebellion and shown that it was too weak they held a Constitutional Convention -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown is considered to be the most significant battle in the American Revolution. The reason is because French and American forces had outnumbered British forces and trapped them at York own. The battle lasted for three weeks, beginning on September 28th and ending October 19th. The result of the battle was the significance victory the Americans had achieved against the British thus, ending the Revolutionary War, and America declaring independence from Britain Parliament. -
Legislative Branch
The Legislative branch is considered as one of the three branches that makes up U.S. government system. According to the Article I of the Constitution, it has the power to create laws for the country. It is further divided into two separate chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members are elected by the people. Each state only gets only two senators. On the other hand the number of representatives is determined by each states population. -
Judicial Branch
Stated in the Constitution in Article III it asserts that the Supreme Court has the nations judicial power to impose and interpret the laws. However, the Constitution never stated specifically the powers granted to the Supreme Court or explained how the judicial branch should be systematize. For a while that was the situation until it changed with the occurring case of Marbury v. Madision. Significant because it had established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review. -
The Virginia Plan
Known also as the Randolph Plan was proposed by Virginia delegate Edmund and written by James Madison. The plan proposed for a more strong centralized government consisted of three branches. Those tree branches would be the executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch. This would also create the three way system known as the checks and balances were no branch has more power than the other. Thus, retaining power and keeping equilibrium within the governmental system of the U.S. -
Executive Branch
On the Constitution it is stated in Article II that the Executive branch has the authority ti enforce or carry out the laws of the nation. Its head being the president. The executive branch is also made up of by the vice president and the Cabinet, Defense department, the State Department and including 13 other executive department. The president and vice president are not chosen directly by the people unlike members of Congress. Instead they are elected through the electoral college system. -
New Jersey Plan
Its author being William Paterson a delegate from New Jersey. He proposed the plan in the Constitution Convention. The plan had 11 resolution such as power to tax and control interstate commerce, size didn't matter as in each state was equal no matter the size of its population. It protected the smaller states from being overpowered by the larger states. The plan also proposed for two houses based on representation. -
The Northwest Oridance
The Northwest Ordinance was established for the purpose of allowing western territories to join the United States. It began with Virginia in 1781, when they gave their land to Congress. In order for territories to be accepted as states, these territories would have to have a least have 20,000 people that made up their population. The Northwest Ordinance also banned slavery in these new areas. -
The Connecticut plan
The Connecticut Plan, also named as The Great Compromise, was a plan to solve the problem that larger and smaller states had over representation. Both smaller and larger states agreed upon the plan. In which a one house of the legislature, the Senate, would only have two representatives for each state. The larger state believed that representation should be based on the contribution each state made to the nation and smaller states believed that the only fair plan was one of equal representation. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's rebellion was a set of violent events and attacks on government property such as courts due to tensions with the government. The causes of Shay's rebellion were mainly due to the government 's apparent lack of compensation given to farmers who had fought in the Revolutionary War. More tensions occurred when settlers in Massachusetts were imposed high amounts of . This caused Daniel Shay to lead a rebellion towards the courts and exploit the weakness of the Articles of Confederations -
The Great Debate
The Great Debate was made up of fifty delegates made up of both Federalist and Anti-Federalist. They met at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to discuss the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. The Federalist wanted the constitution as their new government system. On the contrary the Anti-federalist opposed the idea because they believed in gave too much power to the federal courts. They also argued that the rights of individuals would not be protected and would fail to do so. -
The Second Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening began around 1790 and emphasized religious romanticism which meant religion was made seem as something great.This movement brought on the supernatural and more emotion, while also rejecting secularism and deism.With this movement came prisons where the prisoners would be isolated and was made for the prisoners to think about their actions, with a main one being the Eastern State Penitentiary.Education also became important with compulsory attendance. -
Alexander Hamilton
Born in Charleston, Alexander Hamilton was considered as one of the founding fathers and the founder of the Federalist party. He also became the first Secretary of the Treasury and creating the national bank, a system of taxes and establishing a mutual trade relation with Britain. He supported the idea of having a strong central government and military and supported manufacturing. -
The Bill of Rights
Influenced by the Magna Carta and written by James Madison in Virginia the Bill of rights contains the first 10 amendments that are established in the U.S, constitution.It gives individuals assured rights and list specific restriction on governmental power. For example, rights such as freedom of speech, freedom to practice your religion. In addition it protects citizens from unrighteous searches and seizures that may be illegal. it also gives citizens the right to own firearms. -
The Cotton Gin
The cotton gin was a machine created by Eli Whitney. The cotton gin purpose was to separate cotton fivers from their seeds. The creation of the mechanical machine had revolutionized the cotton industry because it increased the production of cotton to a more rapid and efficient amount of time thus, booming the cotton economy. This also increased the demand for slaves because they needed cotton workers. -
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was protest taking place in Pennsylvania by angry farmers. Farmers were upset due to the fact they were being taxed high amount on their whiskey. In addition whiskey were their primary source of income in which were they couldn't profit much from due to the taxes imposed. Therefore they revolted and a group of 6,000 farmers threatened to attack Pittsburgh, but soon put down by George Washington and the federal army. It was the first domestic test of the new constitution. -
Jay's Treaty
Representatives of the United States and Great Britain both signed the treaty in order to settle issues between the two of the countries. This issues were ones that had not yet resolved since the independence of the United States. It made possible for trade between the countries in a peaceful manner. Also it created a base in which the United States was able to develop a sound national economy, and assured its commercial prosperity. -
Pinckney's Treaty
The treaty also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo was an attempt to form a mutual friendship between Spain and The United States. It was signed in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It also ended the ongoing argument over the two nations nations borders called the West Florida Controversy. It formally developed the border between the U.S. and Spanish Florida. In addition, Spain granted the rights to United States to navigate and explore the Mississippi River. -
XYZ Affair
This event was an incident between United states and French diplomats. The cause was Jays treaty limiting trade with the French. This angered the French and caused them to seize ships of Americans. Americans envoys go to France to resolve the problem between them. Attempts in negotiations failed when 3 agents offered a bribe to each American diplomats, but all refused to pay. Each diplomat had to pay an amount of $25,000 dollars and give. The French agents would be later on named X, Y, and Z. -
The Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal conducted under the power of Thomas Jefferson between the United States and France. The purchase included land west of the Mississippi River that was about 827,000 square miles of land. It cost the United states $15 million dollars. States such as Iowa, South and North Dakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Missouri came from the purchase. Although many speculated the purchase to be unconstitutional due to the fact the president was not permitted to purchase land. -
12th Amendment
The 12th amendment was imposed right after the Election of 1800. Before the 12th amendment the second candidate for president would become vice president. That was not the case in the election of 1796 were the president was a federalist and the vice president was a democratic-republican. This caused problems because they both opposed each other. The 12th amendment established a proper procedure for electing the president and vice president. -
Hamilton vs. Burr
It was a fight between Burr, the Vice President of the U.S. and Hamilton former Secretary of Treasury in New Jersey. They both opposed each other but tensions soon escalated when Burr ran for governor of New York and Hamilton opposed his bid. Burr loses bid for governor and suddenly blames Hamilton for his loss. They both negotiate a duel in which Hamilton thought Burr was going to shoot to kill. He was ultimately wrong and was killed by Burr when he shot him and pierced his liver. -
Embargo Act of 1807
The Embargo Act passed under the presidency of Thomas Jefferson on 1807. The act did not allow any American ships to conduct trade within all foreign ports. The act was ratified because America tried to remain neutral during the war that was fought between the British and French. Both of them started to seize American ships. Problems began to escalate when the British took American sailors into custody because they believed they were deserters from the British navy and taking innocent men. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was fought between the French and Britain because of the restrictions imposed on by the french U.S. trade and impressionism of American sailors done by the British. During the War of 1812 the White house was burn down. The U.S. had experience defeats that greatly impacted them. The war lasted till 1815 and was formally ended by the Treaty of Ghent. During the war the creation of the national anthem occurred. -
Adam-Onis Treaty (1819)
The treaty also know as the Transcontinental Treaty included Spain and the United States. Signed by John Quincy Adams and Spanish Minister to the United States Don Luis d Onis established the terms that made Spain give up Florida and the Oregon Country. In return the United States would pay Spain five million dollars. The treaty also developed a boundary between the United States of America and Mexico. -
Steamboats
The first steamboat in the United States of America measured 45 feet and its inventor named John Fitch. The boat had successfully on the Delaware River. Later on another inventor named Robert Fulton competed with John Fitch in the production of steamboats. Steamboats would then be used as a main source of transportation for cargo through canals and other main water ways. Thus, being a significant method of trade and promoting commence in the United States of America. -
Spoil System
The spoil system also recognized as the patronage system was the replacement of bureaucracy with own supporters. This meant when a political party won an election they gave their supporters, relatives, and friends government posts as a reward. Later on the spoil system was dissolved in 1881 when Charles Guiteau assassinated the president James Garfield -
The Mormons
The Mormons is religion which was composed of former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Mormons migrated across the United States from the Midwest to Salt Lake Valley in order to find religious freedom. Founded by a man named Joseph Smith in Fayette in Seneca county, New York. A significant member for the Mormons was William Miller who was a preacher credited for the religious movement known as the Millerites. -
Slave codes
The main purpose for Slave codes were laws invented to marginalize slaves and limit their freedom greatly in order to prevent uprisings or attempts of escaping. It granted owners absolute authority over their slaves. States designed the codes to fit with the laws established in the region. Codes did not allow slaves to leave their plantations without permission or attack their masters or anyone white, even if it meant for self defense. -
Indian Removal Act 1830
The Indian Removal act was gave the authorization to Andrew Jackson to legally remove Native Americans from east of the Mississippi river and relocate them to Oklahoma. The negotiation was meant to be voluntary on the part of Native Americans but many were upset and resisted the relocation. The migration of the Native Americans which were the Chicksaw, Creek, Chocktaw, Seminole and the Cherokee tribe would be known as the Trail of Tears. -
Nate Turner Rebellion
This was an uprising from black slaves and took place in Southampton Country, Virginia. Rebellion was led by a slave born in Virginia named Nat Turner hence naming the rebellion by him. The rebellion resulted in the murder of 55 to 65 people and at least 51 being white, done by slaves. It is significant due to it being considered as the largest and deadliest slave revolt in America history. Nat's main motivation was from the occurrence of a solar eclipse and interpret it as a signal to rise up. -
Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis was caused by congress raising taxes and later imposing the Tariff Act of 1832. These taxes greatly impacted Southern agriculture but specifically South Carolina. John Calhoun, who was Vice-President at the time advocated nullifying the law, which later caused him to resign because he was conflicted over the issue. It would eventually lead to South Carolina Convention which ended the crisis by Henry Clay reaching a deal where congress would scale back tariffs. -
American Anit-Slavery Society (AASS)
The American Anit-Slavery Society was complied of abolitionist and their founders named William Llyod Garrison and Arthur Tappan. It's main goal was to eradicate slavery in the United States through 1833 to 1870. By 1840 it had gained a total of about 200,000 members. They created and signed petitions against slavery and sent them to Congress. Also they printed propaganda that would be then distributed in mass quantities.One of their key leaders was runaway slave named Fredrick Douglas. -
The Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement was a movement that was created in attempt to control or cease the consumption of intoxicating liquor. Their motives were due to the negative effects the intoxication of alcohol brought forward. Negatively effecting family life, health, and personality of those who drank alcohol excessively. Therefore, the social movement order for new laws that restricting the selling of alcohol. Many churches also participated in the movement. -
Whig Party
The formation of the the American political party called the Whig party was organized in order to bring groups who opposed Andrew Jackson closer. Originally they were colonist supporting independence. Their leader was Henry Clay. They highly opposed the Second Bank of the United States in which Andrew Jackson supported. They also opposed the executive branch because they believed it had too much power. In 1836 Martin Van Buren was elected as a Whig candidate. -
New York Female Women Reform Society
The movement was originally founded by woman named Lidya A. Finney. Her main motivation for creating the society was to combat the issue of prostitution due to poverty being prominent in the state. Prostitution drove women into devastating and harmful paths. They also pushed efforts to make prostitution illegal in the states. In addition, the society helped the women who suffered from prostitution by providing them with education and job opportunities. -
Battle of Gonzales
The battle taken place in Gonzales, Texas hence its named for the battle. It is considered to be significant because it was the first battle taken place in the Texas War of Independence. The battle initiated because Texan troops refused to give up a small cannon to Mexican soldiers. This were the flag "come and take" came from. The battle concluded in the withdrawal of Mexican soldiers. Thus, giving the victory to the Texan rebels. -
The 2nd Bank of the United States of America
Created due to the immense amount of debt developed because the War of 1812. Located in Philadelphia in which President Madison signed a bill that gave power to the 2nd Bank of the Unites Sates in 1816. The charter would only last for 20 years. With the creation of the 2nd Bank of the United States came along people who opposed it such as Old Hickory and Andrew Jackson because they beloved the bank posed as a threat due to its economic power. Andrew Jackson would then put to an end to the bank. -
The Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto determined the outcome of the Texas Revolution. In this battle Texan military forces fought against Mexico army in Harris County, Texas. Led by General Sam Houston the Texans defeated the large and much experienced Mexican army led by General Santa Anna.In which victory resulted in the independence of Texas from Mexico. The battle only lasted for 18 minutes -
The Panic of 1837
The Panic of 1837 was a recession that occurred under the Presidency of Andrew Jackson. A financial crisis that impacted the United drastically because multiple state banks were given government money that came from the Bank of the United States. They distributed paper money that instigated speculation. Thus Jackson proposed the Specie Circular to force payment for federal lands with silver or gold. In result businesses went bankrupt and the Bank of the U,S, failed and unemployment increased. -
Trail of Tears
A policy invented by Andrew Jackson its main intent was to remove the Cherokee nation from its land. They gave land east of the Mississippi river and were forced to migrate to present day Oklahoma. The Cherokee migrated under harsh conditions were they diseases were spread, hunger was experienced, and due to the intensive amount of distance they traveled many died. Approximately over 4,000 out of the 15,000 of the Cherokees traveling died. Thus, giving it the name Trail of Tears. -
First Police forces
The first ever American police force was developed in the city of Boston. They were invented due to tensions needed to be dealt with. Later on 6 years after the first american police to be established, New York established their police force. -
Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail was a route in which approximately 300,000 American pioneers migrated through to the west. The route began from Independence, Missouri until ending in Oregon city. During the migration through the Oregon Trail around 15,000 people died during the journey. Causes of deaths were mainly of diseases. Diseases such as smallpox, flu, dysentery, and cholera spread throughout the Oregon trail and causing multiple deaths. -
Telegraph
The telegraph was revolutionized the way people communicated. It enable long distance communication by transmitting electrical signals over a wire that were placed between stations. Its created was called Samuel Morse hence naming method of communication Morse code. The first transmitted message was "What hath god wrought' delivered from Washington to Baltimore. -
Millennialism
Millennialism was the belief of the End of the World. The belief was spread in the late 1820s by a man named William Miller. He stated that Jesus would return to the Earth around the year 1843. This was all based on Millers own readings of the Bible's prophetic books. With the spread of his belief he was able to gain between 50,000 and 100,000 of followers. After Millers failure prediction for the date of the end of the world it would be then known as the Great Disappointment. -
Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny was the name of the popular belief of the Americans in which they believed they were destined by God to explore and expand across North America. With Manifest Destiny new land territory was attained by the United States. Although it also effected the Native Americans because they were driven out from their land and taken by the Americans in order for them to fulfill their expansion toward the west. In the process Mexico also lost their land to the United States. -
Annexation of Texas
The annexation of Texas made Texas become the 28th state of the Union. Before its annexation many were hesitant on whether to annex Texas because Texas wanted to be a slave state but it would've disrupted the balance between the number of non slave states and slave states. Also with the annexation of Texas it would rise up tensions with Mexico and the United States wanted to avoid it. Also Texas had a great amount of debt that the United states would had to pay at the time. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican-American War was fought between the United States of America and Mexico with war lasting only 2 years. The causes of the war were the annexation of Texas done by the United States, arguments between the two countries on whether Texas ended at the Rio Grande or Nueces River. An estimated of 25,000 troops and including civilians died due to the war. The war was won by the Americans and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. -
California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush started when gold was discovered in Coloma, California by a name James W. Marshall. With the discovery it made thousands of people migrate to California in search of gold. At the time gold was easy to find and mining for gold began in 1852. The finding of gold also made Chinese migrate over in look for an opportunity and worked in mines. Chinese encounter heavy discrimination and racism due to the fact they 'stole" mine jobs from whites. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo is a peace treaty signed by the United States and the Mexican republic. The treaty also ended the war between Mexico and the United States. With the treaty it made the United States pay Mexico $15 million dollars. In addition it established the Rio Grande as a boundary for Texas given to the United States. Furthermore, they gained the California and large portions of present day New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. -
Seneca Falls convention
Held in Seneca Falls, New York, and managed by Lucretia Mott and Elizbeth Cady the Seneca falls convention was significant for being considered as the first convention for women's rights in America. The convention itself lasted for two days in which they evaluated civil, social, and religious state of being and women;s rights. They also propose for the rights of voting to be given to women too. The convention also consisted of two hundred women in attendance. -
Compromise of 1850
The compromise also named Henry Clay's Compromise is made up of 5 provisions. The compromise as invented in order to keep the North and the South happy. With the Compromise came forward the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act. In addition it ended the slave trade that occurred in the District of Columbia. It also settled the argument over the boundary of Texas and New Mexico. Then it annexed California as a free state to the Union. Lastly it popular sovereignty in Utah and New Mexico. -
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was a law pass through Henry Clay's Compromise. The law was protected and enforced by the federal law which meant that helping runaway slaves would be consider as a federal crime. Also the law allowed slaves to be arrested even if they were located in free states. The law was a violation of basic American rights because it was considered as pro-slavery act and it instigated many problems in the government. -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman known as one of Americas most famous icons in history due to the fact she was a key conductor who guided runaway slaves through the Underground Railroad and leading them to freedom. Not only she was a guide in the Underground Railroad she was also a Union spy during the Civil War, a nurse, and a women's suffrage supporter. She help guide over 300 slaves into the Underground Railroad and to their freedom. -
Republican Party
The Republican Party was created by Hannibal Hamlin because of the emplacement of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill in 1854. Former Whig Party members who opposed slavery formed the Republican Party in order to fight against the bill. It soon gained supporters from the North. Later on the first Republican president would be none other than 16th president Abraham Lincoln -
The Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska gave the power to Kansas and Nebraska to chose if they wanted to be either slave states or non slave states. This caused an uproar between anti-slavery supporters and pro-slavery supporters and caused them to settle to Kansas in order to affect the outcome of the decision. It further escalated more violently when pro-slavery settlers refused to vote in the second election. Further into matter the violence erupted and nicknamed Kansas "Bleeding Kansas" -
End of Whig Party
After twenty three years from its creation, the Whig Party came to an end. The Whig Party soon started to disappear when the Republican part where it drew off so many Whigs. In 1856 was the last year the Whig Party would ever have a presidential candidate. -
The Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America included 11 states from the south that had chosen to secede from the United States of America in 1860. They seceded because Abraham Lincoln had won the election of Presidency. The did not want him as president because the states knew he would abolish slavery within the southern states. Although they seceded they were not taken serious at first and thought they would come back to the union. -
Conscription Act
The passing of Conscription act was the creation of a draft during the Civil War. Men ages through 20 and 45 would be drafted to serve the military and including immigrants. Many were angry due to the fact that only the wealthiest U.S. citizens could avoid the draft. The way they avoided the draft was by paying $300 dollars or finding someone who'll take the place of the draftee. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam which is also recognized as the Battle of Sharpsburg, taken place at Antietam Creek. In this battle General of the Confederate army, General Robert E. Lee's and his army attempted to invade the north and fight against General George McClellan's Army. The outcome of the war resulted in the victory of Robert Lee and invading Virginia. The battle became known as the most deadliest battle in a one day span to ever occur in America. -
Twenty Negro Law
The Twenty Negro Law also recognized as the Twenty slave law imposed by the Confederates. The law as designed for one white man to be drafted for every 20 slaves placed on a plantation. Many southerners opposed the law because they were poor whites who did not own more than 20 slaves or none at all. -
Emancipation Proclamation
After three years since the beginning of the Civil war the Emancipation Proclamation was proposed by President Abraham Lincoln. The Emancipation Proclamation only affected southern states who rebelled against the Union. The Proclamation stated that all slaves in the southern rebellious states would now be freed. It was also imposed in order for ties to be cut between the British and the Confederacy. -
Gettysburg Adress
The Gettysburg Address was a short speech given by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In the speech he paid respect to Union soldiers who lost their lives in the battle of Gettysburg during Civil war. He delivered it because more than 45,000 casualties were reported in the battle over a three day course of fighting. The message would be one of the most famous speeches given in American history despite it being only 272 words. -
Lincolns 10% plan
The ten percent was imposed by Abraham in attempt to reconstruct the aftermath that the Civil War had impacted on the United States. It was a way to allow states who were part of the Confederacy back to the United states. It made the 10 percent of the state population to swear an oath of allegiance towards the Union. -
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee was the general and a leader of the the Army of Northern Virginia in the event of the Civil War. He was leader from 1862 until 1865 he surrender and later because a soldier of the confederate army. He then proceed to be the commander of the Confederate States Army. Greatly recognized for his brilliant military skills. He attempted to invade the north because he believed the only way of winning was to be offensive and take over northern soil. In his attempt to do so he failed. -
Black Codes
Black Codes were imposed by the Southern States in order to marginalize African Americans and restrict their right. They economically debilitate freed slaves and made African Americans to remain on plantations and work extensively with no wages. Thus, the Black codes basically were laws to keep African Americans as slaves like they use to be before. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th amendment was passed by Congress right after the ending of the Civil War. It was one of the first of the three Reconstruction Amendment ratified after the Civil War. It solved the dilemma of slavery on a constitutional level. The 13th amendment had the power to abolish and finally end the issue of slavery throughout any State in the United States of American -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
While Abraham was attending a play Our American Cousin at Ford's Washington D.C. he was murdered by a stage actor named John Wilkies Booth. John had shot Abraham Lincoln in the head while he watched the play not knowing what was happening behind him. Lincoln would then die the next day from the bullet that pierced through his head. Abraham would be the first American president to ever be assassinated. -
The KKK
The Ku Klux Klan was founded during the reconstruction era. It was made up purely of whites and emphasized their message that white people were superior to all races. They also wanted to restore power to the south and they favored the Confederacy. The KKK harassed black people in America and killed them too by lynching them and hanging them. -
The 14th Amendment
After the Civil war the 14th amendment was ratified onto the constitution. The amendment had the power to give citizenship to those who were born in the United States of America. This meant that former slaves that were now consider freed obtained the rights and liberty provided by the Bill of Rights. It combated the issues that former slaves dealt and were now seen as citizens by the law and the constitution. -
The 15th Amendment
The 15th amendment was the last amendment adopted out of the Reconstruction Amendments after the American Civil War. The amendment had the power to grant African American men the right to vote. The amendment also declares that Congress has the power to enforce the article by appropriate legislation. Although the Amendment was ratified, Southerners opposed the amendment and threaten and committed harmful acts towards African American men to discourage them to exercise their right to vote. -
Jim Crow
The name Jim Crow is typically related to the laws that segregated blacks with whites and deprived the blacks from most of their rights. Jim Crow is a fictional and invented character which depicted a clumsy slave. It was a depiction of a stereotype of slaves and evolved as a derogatory term for blacks. -
Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 also recognized as the Great Betrayal or Corrupt Bargain was an agreement over the 1876 U.S. Presidential election. With the Compromise it made Rutherford B. Hayes president in exchange for federal troops from the South to leave the area and give South its power back.
